How to Protect Your Computer When You Don’t Have Anti-Malware Software

Ever experienced instances when you have no virus or malware protection software installed in your computer? It could be the time when your free antivirus trial has already lapsed or when you have obtained a new computer and there has been no new software installed in it yet. What can be done to make sure your computer stays safe?

Using Built-in Security Tools

First of all, if you are using Windows, know that it comes with its own set of security tools. Windows 10, in particular, comes with Windows Firewall and Windows Defender. You just need to activate them. For the Firewall, you don’t have to switch it to the maximum protection settings. Choosing default settings is generally good enough. On the other hand, you have to update your Windows Defender application and make sure that real-time protection is turned on. You can also make use of the browser integration function of Windows Defender to scan files as they are downloaded. This way you can detect malicious software before it tries to access your computer.

Safe Browsing Habits

Once you are done setting up the basic integrated protection in your computer, you need to make sure you adopt safe web browsing habits. Don’t think that having Windows Defender and Firewall on is enough to ensure your computer’s security. Never download anything from sites that appear to be spamming you, those that open pop-ups or new tabs and windows every time you load them or click on any part of their page. Never fall for their deceitful schemes to make you download and install something in your computer. Similarly, don’t open email attachments from senders you don’t know. Have everything scanned before you download it. Don’t click on links and don’t download anything by accident, especially on messaging apps like Skype and Facebook.

Updating Web Browsers and Extensions

Another thing you need to do is to update your software, your browsers in particular. Almost all of the major web browsers come with their own security mechanisms. You just have to update them to their most recent versions to make sure that you get the protection the latest patches and fixes afford. There are browser extensions you can use to boost your web browsing security. Also make sure that these apps, if you are using them, are updated to the latest version.

Using Online Tools

If your computer has already been infected you can use online tools for scanning and removing viruses and malware. You can find a good number of online anti-malware tools nowadays. However, there’s no guarantee that these tools can effectively address infections. Many “free” online malware detection and removal tools are not actually good at what they promise to do and are only baiting you to download something or subscribe to their service to avail of advanced features. That’s why it’s still better to get the standard protection for your computer. Fortunately, nowadays you can easily find cheap security software tools from sites like intersecure.co.uk. There’s no reason why you can’t get standard protection for your computer.

Essentially, you can count on the built-in malware protection systems of your computer and just observe safe browsing habits. However, if you are one of the many who aren’t sure how to be safe online, it only makes sense augmenting your basic OS-integrated security tools with third party systems.